National media outlet predicts how many games the Tennessee Vols will win in 2022
The Tennessee Vols exceeded expectations in Josh Heupel's first season as the program's head coach by going 7-5 in the regular season (UT lost their bowl game matchup against Purdue to finish 7-6). Tennessee wasn't expected to finish with a winning record in 2021, thanks to the disastrous situation that Jeremy Pruitt left behind for […]
The Tennessee Vols exceeded expectations in Josh Heupel's first season as the program's head coach by going 7-5 in the regular season (UT lost their bowl game matchup against Purdue to finish 7-6).
Tennessee wasn't expected to finish with a winning record in 2021, thanks to the disastrous situation that Jeremy Pruitt left behind for Heupel.
In fact, one prediction from the national media before last season had the Vols winning only four games.
It goes without saying that folks won't be sleeping on Tennessee in 2022 — expectations will be much higher in Heupel's second season.
How much higher?
Well, 247Sports national analyst Bud Elliott has Tennessee winning eight games in his latest preseason predictions.
Here's how 247Sports broke it down for the Vols in 2022:
Let's take a look at that 50-50 games on the schedule — Florida (Sept. 24), at LSU (Oct. 8), Kentucky (Oct. 29), at South Carolina (Nov. 19). If you're confident Tennessee can, at worst, go 3-1 over that four-game portion with the other losses this season coming to Alabama and Georgia, well, you've got your nine wins and a comfortable over. It's too close to call right now, though.
Florida and LSU certainly seem to be the most pivotal games on the schedule for the Volunteers in 2022. If the Vols can win one of those games (both games are winnable) and beat Pittsburgh on the road, then I think Tennessee will have a legitimate shot at winning 10 games (including a bowl win) in Heupel's second season.
Two years ago, the Tennessee football program looked like it was years from being relevant. But thanks to Heupel, the Vols are back in the upper half of the SEC.
Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
